See how easy it is to root plants in water with cuttings. This propagation method works on many varieties, giving you more beautiful plants for free.
Have you ever tried rooting plants in water? It's a great way to propagate your plants. I've done this with houseplants many times and today I'll show you a couple. You can do this with many types of plants. It's so easy and requires little effort so why not give it a try.
Two of my plants were looking poorly so I took a leaf cutting from each and placed them on the windowsill of my kitchen. This window gets some bright indirect light but it is not too bright like direct sunlight would be.
Here's a picture of my African Violet plant which has three crowns and really needed to be re-potted.
In addition to the leaf cutting I gently pulled apart the three crowns, pulling off all the older dead leaves, and potted them up in their own soil.
Place the new cuttings in a small glass jar or vase with fresh water. After a few weeks, the two leaves have nice healthy root growth, and you can see new baby leaves growing at the base of the leaves.
Tip: Make sure you change the water regularly with room temperature water at least every few days.
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How cute is this baby African Violet plant growing from the leaf cutting.
Here's a look at the Rex Begonia, the leaves are smaller but you can see a couple of pretty red ones just starting to grow just above the new roots.
Now all you have to do is pot the new plants in their own pots. Use a good fresh potting mix or even a soilless mix with good drainage.
You can cut back the original leaf at this time. Place the pots back in the same area where they grew their roots, and allow them to get established.
It's also often a good idea to place the pots in a zip plastic bag for extra humidity somewhat like a greenhouse while they are setting roots. This is sometimes needed because the roots need to transition from water roots to soil roots. Water as needed but take special care not to let them dry out, and be sure to allow them to drain thoroughly when watered.
Make it Look Good
You can root plants in water with any little glass or vase but you if want you can also create a pretty water propagation station as shown above and keep it in a window to root a few plants at a time.
What Plants Can You Root in Water?
Many indoor plants and herbs root easily in water. Some of the best plants are those with soft stems with a high water content. However, the process is so simple why not give it a try on any plant. Just be patient and change the water about once a week as some plants take longer to root than others.
- Pothos
- Begonias
- African Violets
- Philodendron
- Scented Geranium
- Most Herbs - especially basil, oregano, and mint
In some cases, you will want to cut the stem to include a leaf node. This is the little bump found at the area where the leaf and stem meet. Perfect for cutting from vining plants such as pothos and philodendron.
Another easy way to root woody plants and shrubs is through layering. You can read an article dedicated to layering plants here.
Just think how much fun it could be to grow new plants for free from a simple cutting. You could then give them out to your friends and family. Conversely, the next time you see a beautiful plant at your friend or neighbor's house, ask them for a cutting. That way you can easily grow a new beauty of your own.
More Indoor Plant Help
David
Very interesting, I remember my mother doing this but around the top of a bottle or jar she would wrap tin foil poke a hole and put the stem of what ever plant thru, it alwayd seemed to work but I have no idea why the tin foil was put around the top!
Patti Estep
That's interesting David. The only thing I can think of is that the foil might hold the plant in place.
Ohmoogirl
Hi! When I plant the rooted leaf cutting in water, do I cover the roots and teeny leafs under the soil or on top or wait until they are bigger and put them above the soil?
Patti Estep
It may depend on the plant. You want some leaf growth above the soil but you probably could do either. Just keep an I on the cutting after you plant it. It may take a while to get established after growing in water and now in soil.
John B.
I have a Gryphon Begonia that either a dog or cat broke off a leaf. I decided to stick the leaf in a glass of water and see if it would root. So I put it in the kitchen and periodically remembered to change the water. Last week I noticed that it had put out roots and their is a cute little plant-let growing from the base. It's about an inch tall now so it should be about ready to pot. The process has taken nearly two months so be patient. As long as there are no signs of rot it may simply take time.
Patti Estep
Patience is a virtue. Thanks for sharing.
Donna
It works great for impatient as well. I've made dozens of new plants by rooting. Have never tried the plastic bag trick. Will try it tomorrow. Thanks. I have had them die after I put the rooted plants in soil. I think it's because they stay to wet but not sure. Still learning.
Patti Estep
Hi Donna,
I do think some plants are easier than others. There could be many factors. The biggest one is bacteria in the soil.The roots were grown in pure water and then introduced to the soil, and though I am often guilty of using whatever I have a good clean soilless mix or lightweight fresh potting soil is probably best.
By the way, I have killed many plants for a variety of reasons, and I know many gardeners who can say the same so don't feel bad and definitely keep on trying!
Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!
Patti
Heather Muir
Really interesting many thanks x
Shirley @Housepitality Designs
I have learned to place plants in water by following the lead of my mom. She loved to put sweet potatoes in water!...I recently placed some Calla Lilies in water...I cut them from the plant and put them in a clear vase. We went away for a couple of weeks and when we got back I noticed that the lilies were rooting! Had no idea that they would!...
Patti Estep
Hi Shirley,
That's amazing. Who wouldn't want a new Calla plant.
Thanks for sharing your experience and stopping by,
Patti
Carole
This is awesome and I have to say that propagating is one of my favorite things to do in the garden. If you can believe I don't have any house plants but I have enjoyed using this same method with some of my outdoor plants, worked great with my savory and lemon balm .
Patti Estep
Hi Carole,
I'm sure you have done this many times as so many have but I was thinking maybe some people may have not tried it so I decided to share since it is sooo easy.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!
Patti